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FIFA launches disciplinary proceedings against Mexico after fans ‘chant homophobic abuse’

Fans were accused of chanting the slur during the World Cup match against Germany: REUTERS
Fans were accused of chanting the slur during the World Cup match against Germany: REUTERS

World Cup bosses have launched disciplinary proceedings against Mexico after its fans chanted apparent homophobic abuse at German goalkeeper.

Some Mexican supporters chanted an anti-gay slur when Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer prepared to take a goal kick in the 24th minute of Sunday's game at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Thousands of Mexican supporters could be heard repeatedly yelling “puto” – the Spanish word for a male prostitute – at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Although the term is widely considered to be a slur, some argue there is no discriminatory intent.

Manuel Neuer (AFP/Getty Images)
Manuel Neuer (AFP/Getty Images)

FIFA did not elaborate on the nature of the disciplinary proceedings and didn't say when a hearing would take place.

"Further updates will be communicated in due course. As proceedings are ongoing please understand we cannot comment further at this stage," FIFA said in a statement.

The Mexican football federation has been repeatedly fined by FIFA over fans chanting the slur in recent years, but the sanctions haven't escalated.

The federation and players have previously urged fans to stop the chant to avoid further punishment.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport cancelled two fines against Mexico in November, ruling the chant was "insulting" but not meant to offend, though it left other fines in force.

FIFA is using a new anti-discrimination procedure for the World Cup, under which referees are instructed to stop the game for an announcement on the public address system when discriminatory behaviour is seen or heard.

If it continues, the official could suspend the game, and then abandon it if the behaviour persists.

FIFA did not respond to a request for comment on why the referee did not use the system during Sunday's game.